Palmeiras forward Luighi was the target of racist abuse by a Cerro Porteño fan during a Conmebol U-20 Libertadores match on Thursday in Paraguay. Verdão won the match 3-0.
Statements of Condemnation from Palmeiras, Conmebol, CBF, São Paulo, Corinthians, and Santos
The fan made monkey gestures toward the player, who became visibly upset, left the field in tears, and vented his frustration in a post-match interview when asked by a reporter about the game. Luighi was also spat on while heading to the bench.
— No, no. Are you serious? You’re not going to ask me about the racist act that happened to me today? Seriously? How long are we going to go through this? Tell me, how long? What they did to me is a crime—aren’t you going to ask about that?
— You’re going to ask me about the game? What is Conmebol going to do about this? Or CBF, I don’t know. You weren’t even going to ask about it, were you? It’s a crime, what happened today. This is a youth tournament—we are here to learn — said Luighi.
Palmeiras, Clubs, and Conmebol Speak Out
In an official statement, Palmeiras expressed support for the player and vowed to go to the “ultimate extent” to ensure those responsible are punished. Corinthians and São Paulo also voiced their support for Luighi.
Conmebol condemned the acts and promised “disciplinary measures.”
On Friday, Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior defended Luighi and called for severe punishments from football’s governing bodies.
What happened to Luighi during the U-20 Libertadores match is just heartbreaking and infuriating. Watching a young player, who’s out there trying to grow and represent his club, be subjected to that kind of racism is beyond unacceptable. The fact that he was not only mocked with monkey gestures but also spat on—and then had to ask the reporter to even acknowledge it, just shows how deep the problem runs.
His reaction in the interview said it all. You could feel the pain and frustration in every word. “You’re going to ask me about the game?” That line hit me hard. Because it’s true, how are we still at a point where this kind of abuse happens, and people want to move on like it’s just another matchday?
Props to Vinícius Jr. for standing up too. It’s sad that he understands so well what Luighi is going through, but it’s also powerful to see him use his voice for change. It’s just tragic that young players in 2025 are still having to fight the same battle. We can’t let this keep happening.
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